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This is a really interesting piece by @johnkampfner on which I have several thoughts that - joy of joy, you think - I'm going to share with you
First, yes it's true that some corporate types just do not like to get involved in political debate. But there are a number of reasons why many are specifically unwilling to get involved in the Brexit debate or to back a referendum.
First, several manufacturing firms I've talked to now see Mrs May's deal as the best outcome. NOT the best because a ref is unlikely, but the best. Why? Because they want certainty. They obviously hate the idea of no deal.
But equally, I've heard the arg that a ref will simply mean months if not years of uncertainty. Uncertainty between calling the vote and having one. Then potentially years more in the event of a close remain vote as we wait for the decider that Brexiters will certainly push for
So why else is there reluctance to speak out. Well, publicly traded firms don't want to go on record to say 'Brexit will cripple us' as it might impact on the share price. It might also cause concerns among customers.
Someone from a FTSE firm said to me that they are aware that their main US competitor is ringing round their customers saying 'you know Brexit will screw them, right'? And they're not keen on fostering that impression.
And finally, there's Corbyn. Whatever businesses feel about Brexit, some of them are convinced that a Corbyn Govt would be a bigger threat to the UK economy. So they're reluctant to alienate even this Tory Government with its, let's say, unconventional approach to business. (end)
